25 Years of Wonder

Celebrating World Heritage Day at the Start of the Jurassic Coast

Today, April 18th, the world celebrates World Heritage Day. But for us here in Exmouth, today marks something even more extraordinary. We are officially celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Jurassic Coast being inscribed as England’s first – and only – natural UNESCO World Heritage Site which starts here in Exmouth.

For a quarter of a century, this 95-mile stretch of coastline has stood alongside the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon as a site of “Outstanding Universal Value.” As a family-run business that has navigated these waters for over 55 years, we’ve seen first-hand how this landscape connects people to the deep history of our planet.

Heritage Connects: From Exmouth to the World

The theme for World Heritage Day 2026 is “Heritage Connects,” and nowhere is that connection more visible than at the very beginning of the journey. Exmouth is the “Gateway” to the Jurassic Coast, where the oldest rocks – the vibrant Triassic red cliffs – emerge to tell the first chapter of a story that spans 185 million years of earths history.

When you step aboard a Stuart Line Cruise, you aren’t just taking a boat trip; you are connecting with a timeline that saw the dawn of the dinosaurs. Our friendly crew take great pride in sharing this heritage, ensuring that the global significance of our local cliffs is accessible to everyone.

A Landmark Milestone

Since 2001, the Jurassic Coast has become a symbol of Devon and Dorset’s natural beauty and scientific importance. While celebrations are taking place at museums and heritage sites across the South West today, we believe the best way to experience a coastal world heritage site is exactly where it meets the sea.

Navigating the coastline by boat offers a perspective you simply cannot get from the South West Coast Path. From the water, you not only witness the “red beds” of the Orcombe Point Geoneedle stand tall, marking the official start of this 95-mile trek through time, you can witness a variety of wildlife that also call our beautiful coastline, home.

Celebrating with Stuart Line Cruises

As we look forward to the next 25 years, our commitment to offering value for money cruises, remains a foundational principle of our family business. We believe that world-class heritage should be affordable and accessible for all families and visitors to enjoy.

Whether you are joining us for a Geology Day Trip to dive deep into the rock formations or a relaxing Jurassic Coast Cruise to soak in the scenery, you are part of a 25-year legacy of conservation and wonder.